Jumpers raise funds for Regional Hospice

WAKEFIELD - They plunged for the health of it into Sunday Lake on Saturday afternoon and to remember loved ones through Regional Hospice.

The ninth annual Polar Plunge went off under sunshine and air temperatures around 35. With about 18 inches of snow and ice still covering the lake, a square was again cut out for the jumping competition.

Dozens of divers tested the frigid waters.

The event was scheduled for 2 p.m., but with a cold wind, it kicked off early.

Master of ceremonies John Oberto, of Iron Belt, Wis., joked, "We live in an area where a snow advisory is not taken seriously unless it's for two feet."

Among the jumpers was 92-year-old Tom DeCarlo, of Ironwood. Dressed in Navy attire, he gingerly took the full plunge.

It was a special day for Dave Geyer, of Ramsay, whose father, George, a veteran of the Battle of the Bulge, died just a few days ago.

Dave Geyer, with a dress and golden, flowing locks, rode a stuffed horse into the depths of Sunday Lake and said afterward, "My horse was there to keep me floating."

Margaret Celeski, who takes the plunge every year, was dressed as a weedy character of the deep this time around. She jumped twice with her stuffed dog and a fire hydrant.

The jumpers raised pledges for Regional Hospice, which again sponsored the spring jump at Eddy Park. The fun continued after the dives with a warm-up social at the Wakefield VFW, an awards ceremony and door prizes.

Regional Hospice is a nonprofit organization that serves Iron and Gogebic counties. Its mission is to provide compassionate in-home hospice care to area residents living with terminal illnesses and their families. Just about every resident on the Gogebic Range has been affected directly or indirectly by the services provided by Regional Hospice.

For more contributions, the Regional Hospice office can be reached at 906-663-0308.